What to do if Your Boiler is Damaged After Flooding and Storm Surges

The aftermath of severe storms and flash flooding can leave you without heat or hot water. If your boiler or water heater has been damaged, getting it back up and running is a top priority. Boilers and water heaters are essential for comfortable safe living.  Especially in colder months, and when this equipment is compromised, it can disrupt your comfort and safety. Here’s what to do when you are searching for emergency repair parts because your water heater or boiler has been damaged.  Act quickly to mitigate further issues. 

Assess the Damage Safely

In assessing damage, safety is the top priority.  When inspecting your heating equipment for damage after suffering from a major storm, or flash flooding, do not rush to inspect the equipment immediately. Physical damage caused by floodwater, or electrical interruption can pose serious risks.

After establishing that it is safe to approach the equipment, check for obvious signs of damage:

• Water Submersion: Flooded boilers or heaters may not work due to water damaging the combustion, ignition, or electrical elements.
• Power Loss: If your area experienced lightning or power surges, your boiler may have sustained electrical damage.
• Structural Damage: Look for any physical damage, such as dents or impacts from debris, which can affect the boiler’s performance.

Disconnect and Prevent Further Damage

If there’s visible damage, or if the boiler was submerged in water, disconnect it immediately. This step prevents further electrical damage or the risk of short circuits. Even if the boiler looks fine from the outside, hidden damage could worsen if you attempt to turn it on.

For boilers impacted by water, drying it out and letting the electrical components rest is important. Floodwater may contain contaminants that corrode parts over time. By disconnecting, you’re preventing the spread of that damage.

Contact a Professional for an Inspection

After assessing your damage, it’s time to review your options and reach out to the experts. Severe storms can cause unique problems that require experienced technicians. Certified professionals will assess the extent of the damage, from electrical failures to mechanical breakdowns. This is where companies like Oswald Supply can make a real difference.

Oswald Supply offers specialized repair parts for obsolete and discontinued boiler models. When severe weather hits, older systems may suffer more, and finding specific replacement parts can be challenging. With a wide selection of boiler repair parts in stock, and access to Oswald’s expert customer service, Oswald Supply can quickly provide the parts you need, avoiding long delays.

Repair or Replace the Heating Equipment?

Once the damage is assessed, you’ll face a critical decision: should you repair or replace the boiler and/or water heater? Here are a few factors to consider:

• Extent of Water Damage: If the unit has been completely submerged, replacement might be the better option. Waterlogged electrical systems are often too dangerous or expensive to repair.
• Age of the Boiler: If the boiler is no longer manufactured, and requires hard-to-find, discontinued parts, it might be time to upgrade to a more efficient model. Oswald Supply can help you maintain older systems, as well as identify how a new unit might provide more efficient output, saving you money in the long term.
• Cost of Repair vs. Replacement: Weigh the repair costs against the price of a new boiler. Here’s a helpful guide: If the repair costs exceed 50% of the value of a new boiler, it may be more economical to replace it.  New units are more energy efficient and may contribute to meaningful utility cost savings over time.

Preventing Future Heating Equipment Damage

While you can’t control severe weather, you can take steps to protect your boiler from future damage. Consider these preventive measures:

• Elevating Equipment: If your property is in a flood-prone area, raising the boiler and other key equipment can help prevent damage from future floods.
• Surge Protection: Install surge protectors to prevent electrical damage from power surges, outages, or lightning strikes.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your boiler is regularly maintained. This not only keeps it running smoothly but helps identify vulnerabilities that could worsen during a flood or surge.

Ensure a Swift Recovery for Your Heating Equipment